How to Solve a Rubik 3x3 Cube in 7 Easy Steps
Introduction
The Rubik's Cube is one of the most popular and challenging puzzles in the world. It was invented in 1974 by a Hungarian professor named Ernő Rubik, who originally called it the "Magic Cube". The cube consists of 27 smaller cubes, called cubies, that can be twisted on three axes. The goal is to restore the cube to its original state, where each of the six faces has only one color.
Many people think that solving a Rubik's Cube is impossible, or that it requires a lot of memorization and practice. However, this is not true. In fact, anyone can learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube in just seven easy steps, using some simple algorithms and logic. In this article, we will show you how to do it, step by step, with clear explanations and illustrations. By the end of this article, you will be able to solve any scrambled Rubik's Cube in minutes, or even seconds!
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Step 1: Make a white cross
How to find and move the white edge pieces
The first step is to make a white cross on one face of the cube. To do this, you need to find and move the four white edge pieces, which are the ones that have one white sticker and one other color sticker. You can start with any face, but we recommend starting with the bottom face, as it will make things easier later on.
To find a white edge piece, look around the cube and locate one that has a white sticker on it. Then, twist the cube until that piece is on the bottom layer. Next, you need to move that piece to its correct position on the bottom face, where it matches the color of the side center piece. For example, if you have a white and red edge piece, you need to move it to the bottom face between the white center and the red center.
To move an edge piece from the bottom layer to its correct position on the bottom face, you can use one of these three simple moves:
If the edge piece is already on the bottom face, but not in its correct position, just twist the bottom layer until it is.
If the edge piece is on the bottom layer, but not on the bottom face, twist either the left or right layer until it is on the front face. Then, twist either the front or back layer until it is on the top face. Finally, twist either the left or right layer until it is on the bottom face.
If the edge piece is on the top layer, twist either the left or right layer until it is on the front face. Then, twist the bottom layer until the color of the edge piece matches the color of the side center piece. Finally, twist either the front or back layer until it is on the bottom face.
Repeat this process for the other three white edge pieces, until you have a white cross on the bottom face.
How to match the colors of the side centers
Once you have a white cross on the bottom face, you need to make sure that the colors of the side centers match the colors of the white edge pieces. For example, if you have a white and red edge piece on the bottom face, you need to have a red center piece on the side face next to it.
To match the colors of the side centers, you can use one of these two simple moves:
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If the color of the side center does not match the color of the white edge piece, twist either the left or right layer until it does.
If the color of the side center matches the color of the white edge piece, but it is on the opposite side, twist either the front or back layer 180 degrees until it is on the correct side.
Repeat this process for the other three side centers, until you have a white cross with matching colors on all four sides.
Step 2: Solve the white corners
How to locate and orient the white corner pieces
The next step is to solve the four white corner pieces, which are the ones that have one white sticker and two other color stickers. You need to find and move them to their correct positions on the bottom layer, where they match both the color of the side center and the color of the adjacent edge piece. For example, if you have a white, red and blue corner piece, you need to move it to the bottom layer between the red center, the blue center and the white cross.
To find a white corner piece, look around the cube and locate one that has a white sticker on it. Then, twist either the left or right layer until that piece is on either the front or back face. Next, you need to orient that piece so that its white sticker is facing either up or down. For example, if you have a white, red and blue corner piece on the front face, you need to orient it so that its white sticker is either on top or on bottom.
To orient a corner piece so that its white sticker is facing up or down, you can use one of these three simple moves:
If its white sticker is already facing up or down, do nothing.
If its white sticker is facing front or back, twist either the front or back layer 180 degrees until its white sticker is facing up or down.
If its white sticker is facing left or right, twist either the left or right layer 90 degrees in either direction until its white sticker is facing up or down.
Repeat this process for the other three white corner pieces, until you have four white corner pieces with their white stickers facing up or down.
How to use algorithms to place them correctly
Once you have four white corner pieces with their white stickers facing up or down, you need to use some algorithms to place them correctly on the bottom layer. An algorithm is a sequence of moves that changes the position and orientation of some cubies without affecting others. You can use letters to represent each move: F for front, B for back, L for left, R for right, U for up and D for down. A letter followed by an apostrophe means a counterclockwise move (e.g., F' means turn the front face counterclockwise), while a letter followed by a 2 means a 180-degree move (e.g., F2 means turn the front face 180 degrees).
To place a corner piece correctly on the bottom layer, you can use one of these two algorithms:
If its white sticker is facing up, use this algorithm: R' D' R D
If its white sticker is facing down, use this algorithm: F D F' D'
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that the corner piece you want to place is on the front-right-top position. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you want to place a corner piece with its white sticker facing up, you need to turn the right face counterclockwise, then the bottom face counterclockwise, then the right face clockwise, and then the bottom face clockwise.
Repeat this process for the other three corner pieces, until you have a complete white layer on the bottom of the cube.
Step 3: Solve the middle layer
How to identify and pair up the edge pieces
The next step is to solve the four edge pieces that belong to the middle layer. These are the ones that have two stickers of the same color as two adjacent side centers. For example, if you have a red and blue edge piece, it belongs to the middle layer between the red center and the blue center.
To identify an edge piece that belongs to the middle layer, look at the top layer and find one that does not have a yellow sticker on it. Then, twist either the left or right layer until that piece is on the front face. Next, you need to pair up that piece with its corresponding side center. For example, if you have a red and blue edge piece on the front face, you need to pair it up with either the red center or the blue center.
To pair up an edge piece with its corresponding side center, you can use one of these two simple moves:
If the color of the edge piece matches the color of the front center, twist either the left or right layer until it matches the color of the side center.
If the color of the edge piece does not match the color of the front center, twist either the front or back layer until it matches the color of the side center.
Repeat this process for the other three edge pieces, until you have four edge pieces paired up with their corresponding side centers.
How to use algorithms to insert them into the middle layer
Once you have four edge pieces paired up with their corresponding side centers, you need to use some algorithms to insert them into the middle layer. You can use one of these two algorithms:
If the edge piece is on the right side of the front face, use this algorithm: U R U' R' U' F' U F
If the edge piece is on the left side of the front face, use this algorithm: U' L' U L U F U' F'
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that the edge piece you want to insert is on the front-right or front-left position. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you want to insert an edge piece on the right side of the front face, you need to turn the top face clockwise, then the right face clockwise, then the top face counterclockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face counterclockwise, then the front face counterclockwise, then the top face clockwise, and then the front face clockwise.
Repeat this process for the other three edge pieces, until you have a complete middle layer on the cube.
Step 4: Make a yellow cross
How to recognize and fix the yellow edge patterns
The next step is to make a yellow cross on the top face of the cube. To do this, you need to find and move the four yellow edge pieces, which are the ones that have one yellow sticker and one other color sticker. You can start with any pattern of yellow edge pieces on the top face, but we will use the most common one, which is a dot.
To recognize and fix the yellow edge patterns, you can use one of these three algorithms:
If you have a dot, use this algorithm: F R U R' U' F'
If you have an L-shape, use this algorithm: F U R U' R' F'
If you have a line, use this algorithm: F R U R' U' F' U F R U R' U' F'
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that the yellow edge pattern is on the top face. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you have a dot, you need to turn the front face clockwise, then the right face clockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face counterclockwise, and then the front face counterclockwise.
Repeat this process until you have a yellow cross on the top face of the cube.
How to use algorithms to form a yellow cross
Once you have a yellow cross on the top face of the cube, you need to use some algorithms to form a complete yellow cross. A complete yellow cross is when the colors of the side centers match the colors of the yellow edge pieces. For example, if you have a yellow and red edge piece on the top face, you need to have a red center piece on the side face next to it.
To form a complete yellow cross, you can use one of these two algorithms:
If none of the colors match, use this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'
If two of the colors match, use this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R' U
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that one of the unmatched colors is on the front face. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if none of the colors match, you need to turn the right face clockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face clockwise, then the top face twice, and then the right face counterclockwise.
Repeat this process until you have a complete yellow cross on the top face of the cube.
Step 5: Permute the yellow edges
How to recognize and fix the yellow edge cases
The next step is to permute the four yellow edge pieces, which means to swap them in their correct positions on the top layer. To do this, you need to recognize and fix the yellow edge cases. There are four possible cases:
The solved case: All four yellow edge pieces are in their correct positions.
The adjacent case: Two adjacent yellow edge pieces are in their correct positions.
The opposite case: Two opposite yellow edge pieces are in their correct positions.
The unsolved case: None of the yellow edge pieces are in their correct positions.
To recognize and fix the yellow edge cases, you can use one of these two algorithms:
If you have the adjacent case or the unsolved case, use this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R' U2
If you have the opposite case, use this algorithm: R2 U2 R U2 R2
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that one of the correct or incorrect yellow edge pieces is on the front face. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you have the adjacent case, you need to turn the right face twice, then the top face twice, then the right face clockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face twice.
Repeat this process until you have all four yellow edge pieces in their correct positions on the top layer of the cube.
Step 6: Permute the yellow corners
How to recognize and fix the yellow corner cases
The next step is to permute the four yellow corner pieces, which means to swap them in their correct positions on the top layer. To do this, you need to recognize and fix the yellow corner cases. There are three possible cases:
The solved case: All four yellow corner pieces are in their correct positions.
The clockwise case: Three yellow corner pieces need to be swapped clockwise.
The counterclockwise case: Three yellow corner pieces need to be swapped counterclockwise.
To recognize and fix the yellow corner cases, you can use this algorithm: U R U' L' U R' U' L
To apply the algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that one of the correct or incorrect yellow corner pieces is on the front-right-top position. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you have the clockwise case, you need to turn the top face clockwise, then the right face clockwise, then the top face counterclockwise, then the left face counterclockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face counterclockwise, and then the left face clockwise.
Repeat this process until you have all four yellow corner pieces in their correct positions on the top layer of the cube.
Step 7: Orient the yellow corners
How to recognize and fix the yellow corner orientations
The final step is to orient the four yellow corner pieces, which means to rotate them in their correct directions on the top layer. To do this, you need to recognize and fix the yellow corner orientations. There are seven possible orientations:
The solved orientation: All four yellow corner pieces are facing up.
The fish orientation: One yellow corner piece is facing up and three are facing sideways.
The sune orientation: Two adjacent yellow corner pieces are facing up and two are facing sideways.
The anti-sune orientation: Two opposite yellow corner pieces are facing up and two are facing sideways.
The headlight orientation: Three yellow corner pieces are facing up and one is facing sideways.
The chameleon orientation: Two adjacent yellow corner pieces are facing sideways and two are facing down.
The bowtie orientation: Two opposite yellow corner pieces are facing sideways and two are facing down.
To recognize and fix the yellow corner orientations, you can use one of these two algorithms:
If you have the fish orientation or the sune orientation, use this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'
If you have the anti-sune orientation or the headlight orientation, use this algorithm: R' U' R U' R' U2 R
To apply an algorithm, you need to hold the cube so that one of the correct or incorrect yellow corner pieces is on the front-right-top position. Then, you need to perform the moves in order from left to right. For example, if you have the fish orientation, you need to turn the right face clockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face counterclockwise, then the top face clockwise, then the right face clockwise, then the top face twice, and then the right face counterclockwise.
Repeat this process until you have all four yellow corner pieces facing up on the top layer of the cube.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Congratulations! You have just solved a Rubik's Cube in seven easy steps. Here is a summary of what you did:
You made a white cross on one face of the cube, matching the colors of the side centers.
You solved the white corners on the same face, using some simple algorithms.
You solved the middle layer edge pieces, using some simple algorithms.
You made a yellow cross on the opposite face of the cube, using some simple algorithms.
You permuted the yellow edge pieces on that face, using some simple algorithms.
You perm uted the yellow corner pieces on that face, using some simple algorithms.
You oriented the yellow corner pieces on that face, using some simple algorithms.
You have now completed the Rubik's Cube, and you can enjoy the satisfaction of seeing all six faces with only one color each.
Tips and tricks for faster and easier solving
If you want to improve your speed and efficiency in solving the Rubik's Cube, here are some tips and tricks that you can use:
Practice, practice, practice. The more you solve the cube, the more familiar you will become with the moves and the patterns. You will also develop muscle memory and intuition that will help you solve faster and easier.
Learn some advanced algorithms. The algorithms we showed you are the simplest and most basic ones, but there are many more that can help you solve the cube in fewer moves and less time. You can find them online or in books, and you can practice them until you master them.
Use finger tricks. Finger tricks are ways of turning the faces of the cube with your fingers, without moving your whole hand or wrist. They can help you save time and energy, and make your moves smoother and more fluid. You can learn them by watching videos of expert cubers or by experimenting with your own style.
Scramble the cube well. Before you start solving the cube, make sure to scramble it well, so that it is as random and mixed up as possible. This will prevent you from getting bored or stuck with the same patterns, and it will also challenge you to improve your skills and adapt to different situations.
Have fun. Solving the Rubik's Cube is not only a mental exercise, but also a fun and rewarding hobby. Don't get frustrated or discouraged if you make mistakes or get stuck. Instead, enjoy the process and celebrate your achievements. You can also share your passion with other cubers, join competitions, or try other variations of the cube.
FAQs
How many possible combinations are there on a Rubik's Cube?
There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible combinations on a Rubik's Cube. That's 43 quintillion, 252 quadrillion, 3 trillion, 274 billion, 489 million, 856 thousand combinations. That's a lot of combinations!
How do I know if my Rubik's Cube is solvable?
Every Rubik's Cube is solvable, as long as it is not broken or tampered with. However, some cubes may look unsolvable because they have stickers that are peeled off or swapped around. To check if your cube is solvable, look at the center pieces of each face. They should have one color each, and they should not change when you twist the cube. If they do, then your cube is not solvable.
What is the world record for solving a Rubik's Cube?
The current world record for solving a Rubik's Cube is 3.47 seconds, set by Yusheng Du from China in 2018. The current world record for solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded is 15.50 seconds, set by Max Hilliard from the USA in 2019.
What are some other types of Rubik's Cubes?
There are many other types of Rubik's Cubes that vary in size, shape, color, and difficulty. Some of them are:
The 2x2 Cube: A smaller version of the 3x3 Cube that has only four cubies per face.
The 4x4 Cube: A larger version of the 3x3 Cube that has 16 cubies per face.
The 5x5 Cube: An even larger version of the 3x3 Cube that has 25 cubies per face.
The Pyraminx: A pyramid-shaped puzzle that has four triangular faces with nine stickers each.
The Megaminx: A dodecahedron-shaped puzzle that has 12 pentagonal faces with 11 stickers each.
The Skewb: A cube-shaped puzzle that has six square faces with four stickers each, but twists along its corners instead of its edges.
Where can I buy a Rubik's Cube?
You can buy a Rubik's Cube online or in stores that sell toys, games, or puzzles. You can also buy different brands and models of cubes that have different features and qualities. Some of them are smoother, faster, quieter, or more customizable than others . You can choose the one that suits your preferences and budget. You can also buy some accessories, such as lubricants, stickers, timers, or stands, to enhance your cubing experience. 44f88ac181